Sometimes it can be very difficult to deal with the stresses and strains of everyday life. Unfortunately, many Australians suffer from some form of emotional disability and find it challenging to address situations or circumstances that others may find normal. If you find yourself in this position, you may prefer to turn for support to your four-legged friends instead of another human being and may rely on an emotional support animal just to get by. You certainly believe that your dog gives you unconditional love and constant support, but you may not be able to take them with you as often as you would like due to various restrictions. Is this fair and, more importantly, can you do anything about it?
Not Disputed
People choose an emotional support animal for a wide range of reasons, both physical and mental. Doctors understand how these pets can help to lower blood pressure and, in certain cases, blood cholesterol levels as well. They certainly agree that the presence of the animal can lower levels of stress and improve general mental health and will typically recommend the approach.
Different to Assistance Dogs?
However, these animals are not automatically recognised under Australian law in the same way as an 'ordinary' assistance dog may be. Regulators may justify this by saying that assistance dogs receive a considerable amount of training and are required to meet stringent behavioural and hygiene standards at all times, whereas an emotional support animal is not. Australian law seems to point to the assistance dog as a medical aid of some kind, but the emotional support animal appears to be merely 'nice to have'.
Not Optional
Nevertheless, you may feel that your mental or physical disability prevents you from leading a full life and taking part in some activities that you would definitely aspire to. In order to ensure that you can always bring your friend along to any public places or restricted events, you may have to make a challenge for their legal rights instead.
Fighting for Your Position
Perhaps you need to get your pet certified as an assistance dog, but this may require a lot of effort on your behalf. In order to get the ball rolling, you should get in touch with a lawyer who is familiar with pet laws, and they can advise you of your best course of action. Together, you may be able to break down some of those unwanted barriers.
Share23 October 2018
Hello, my name is Jenny and this is my probate law blog. I should say now, I am not a lawyer and I have not had any professional legal training. However, I do know a thing or two about probate. I taught myself a lot after the death of my grandma. My grandma left a lot of money and property behind, but unfortunately, she didn't leave a will. This lead to several family members staking a claim on the inheritance. I instructed a lawyer to act on my mother's behalf to ensure that she was not cheated out of her share.